The Lifespan Applications course focuses on teaching skills for how to facilitate embodiment, somatic movement and expressive dance experiences for the enjoyment, development and well-being of children and youth from 0-16 and to use movement explorations to meet developmental needs, as well on movement applications for adults and elders. We consider experiences common to adults during the various adult developmental phases of life and look at how dance, movement and embodiment practices can help shape health, happy relationships, career satisfaction, creative expression, well-being, self-identity, and moving through challenges in life.
Students are also supported to learn about the metaphor of creating ‘containers’ for each class they facilitate. The course also supports practice sessions designed for both child and adult groups.
Learning Objectives for this course:
Through movement experientials (groups, partners, individual), that draw from somatics, creative dance, and movement education, along with discussion and reflection, students will:
1) Understand neurosequential concepts and stages in movement development and social emotional development for children.
2) Understand adult developmental tasks, wellness themes, and reasons why adults might choose to engage in expressive movement.
3) Deepen understanding of how BESS informs expressive movement experientials for all age groups, including –
- Deepening knowledge and skills in integrating Patterns of Total Body Connectivity (Body) in movement explorations.
- Deepening knowledge and skills in integrating Effort, Shape, and Space to expand expressive and creative potentiality.
4) Develop knowledge and skills in designing and facilitating expressive movement for children (0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-teenager).
5) Develop knowledge and skills in designing and facilitating expressive movement for adults (young adults, general adult populations, older adults).
6) Develop knowledge and skills in applying a rich variety of experiences within an EMF session, such as themes, archetypes, images, objects, props, books, writing, individual, partner, and collective movement experiences.
7) Practice skills in leading/facilitating expressive movement experientials for children and adults.
This course takes place in person live during the second Intensive, over 7.5 days, in Vancouver, BC, Canada